CREW members from a Royal Navy landing assault vessel are on a busy round of shore "missions" in the North-East this weekend.

Most of HMS Bulwark's 325-strong crew are going ashore attending functions around the region, as the amphibious support ship renews affiliations with Durham, its adopted county.

Civic parties were welcomed on board the vessel, berthed in the River Wear at Sunderland, by Bulwark's commanding officer, Captain Jeremy Blunden, last night.

A detachment will be on parade, with other service groups, in the Falklands War 25th anniversary parade, in Newcastle, today.

Others will be taking part in sporting fixtures, with the ship's football XI playing Pittington FC at Sherburn Sports Centre, near Durham, at 11.30am tomorrow.

Today, Bulwark's golfers tee off against Durham City club members at Littleburn, on the outskirts of the city, at 11.30am, while the crew rugby XV challenge Durham City RUFC at the Hollow Drift ground in Green Lane, at 1pm tomorrow

As part of its five-day visit, members of the public can visit the Bulwark, in port at Corporation Quay, off High Street East, Sunderland, at an open day tomorrow, from 11am to 4pm. Entry is free.